October 10, 2024
Destination Lyon: my beautiful home town.
I am a true Lyonnais. My family has been established there for many generations. I grew up there, in Volange, our family house in the outskirts of the city (think French countryside with cows and vines only 6 km away from the city centre).
Lyon is one of France’s most historically rich cities, known not only for its architecture, cuisine, and culture, but also for its long-standing connection to fashion, particularly through its silk industry.
Lyon’s fashion legacy dates back to the 15th century, when it became a major centre for the silk trade and quickly became the “silk capital of the world”.
The city’s famous silk workshops, particularly in the Croix-Rousse district, produced intricate patterns and designs that were revolutionary for their time.
Lyon's fashion culture today is one of elegance with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. Blending tradition with modernity, Lyonnais fashion reflects a deep respect for clean lines, and architectural silhouettes. It has a strong presence in French fashion and is celebrated for blending artistic creativity with wearable fashion.
Follow me for a weekend away in Lyon
Every year I spend time in Lyon, experiencing what the city has to offer and that I miss dearly.
Friday nights are for apéros (pre-dinner drinks with friends) and if this is not in one of your friends beautiful home you can pick one of the numerous venues in the city centre.
Saturday morning there is nothing better than going to the Carré d’Or (the city centre’s exclusive shopping streets) where you will find a concentration of very desirable French boutiques from mid to high end.
Make sure to stop at Maison Pignol (est. 1954) for a delicious bite to eat or just a pâtisserie before going to the Marché Saint-Antoine to grab amazing delicacies (cheese, charcuterie, bread…) and enjoy an espresso by the Saône river.
Lyon has some great landmarks and sightseeing, Saint-Jean quarter is an antique area (UNESCO) made of narrow cobbled streets and typical Renaissance ochre and pink small buildings. A must see!
Saturday nights are for dinner with friends, whether at home or in one of the city's delicious restaurants. Home of Paul Bocuse, Lyon has been called “food capital” thanks to a myriad of regional products used in some typical Lyonnaise recipes.
Sunday mornings are my favourite as we all hop in my brother’s 4x4 and head to the flea markets where we will find absolute treasures at total bargain prices. For me, this is one of the most exciting things I can do while in Lyon. I have spent most of my childhood there with my parents whose passion was bargain-hunting antiques (which you can see in my Volange boutiques in Sydney).
Whilst I miss my friends and my family every day, I realise as I grow older that I really miss this amazing city which has so much to offer. So if the next time you go to France you feel like spending a couple of days there on your way to the Alps or the Mediterranean, let me know as it will be my pleasure to share my best addresses for where to stay.
Prune x